Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) stays in Spain for the next season. The Lithuanian guard penned a deal with Breogan. He arrives to the club from Huesca, where he spent 2011/12. For 32 games in LEB Gold Leonavicius averaged 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists. It was his first year in Spain. Before Huesca, Gintaras Leonavicius was a member of Panevezys Techasas. He shined with 15.9 ppg, 2.5 apg and 2.3 spg for 9 Baltic league games with them. In Lithuanian league Leonavicius had slightly lower numbers. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Defensive Player of the Year -11. The player started 2010/11 season with Italian LegaDue team Mazzeo San Severo. In the past, he played for Sakalai, Nevezis and Akademija-MRU Vilnius.

32-year old power forward Juan Palacios (206-F/C-85) had an amazing evening in the last round for Neptunas and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1. He had the game-high 25 points adding seven rebounds and six assists for Neptunas in his team's victory, helping them to crush, the league's bottom-ranked team Nevezis (#6, 0-1) with 19-point margin 92-73. Neptunas maintains the 3rd position in Lithuanian league. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Nep... [read more]

32-year old power forward Juan Palacios (206-F/C-85) had an amazing evening in the last round for Neptunas and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.He had the game-high 25 points adding seven rebounds and six assists for Neptunas in his team's victory, helping them to crush, the league's bottom-ranked team Nevezis (#6, 0-1) with 19-point margin 92-73. Neptunas maintains the 3rd position in Lithuanian league. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Neptunas won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. Palacios turned to be Neptunas' top player in his first season with the team. Palacios has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (2nd best: 20.0ppg), rebounds (7th best: 7.5rpg) and averages solid 57.1% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Mindaugas Kupsas (217-C-91, agency: Octagon Europe) of Juventus. He is a center in his first season at Juventus. In the last game Kupsas recorded impressive 23 points and 8 rebounds. Bad luck as Juventus lost that game 75-82 to Lietuvos rytas (2-0). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Kupsas is a newcomer at Juventus and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.0ppg (#5). He also registered 7.5 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to Laurynas Birutis (213-C/F-97) of Siauliai (#5). Birutis scored 16 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Siauliai, leading his team to a 61-59 win against Vytautas (#7, 0-1). Siauliai needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 1 victory and 1 lost game. Birutis has a great season in Lithuania. After only 2 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 9.0rpg (#1 in league).

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL) agreed terms with 33-year old Greek ex-international center Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-118kg-84). He played last season at AEK Athens in Greek A1 league. Mavrokefalidis managed to play in three leagues in two countries last year. In 17 A1 games he had 10.8ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.4apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Mavrokefalidis also played 2 games in Basketball Champions League where he recorded 11.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.0apg and 1.5spg. The other team he p... [read more]

Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL) agreed terms with 33-year old Greek ex-international center Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-118kg-84). He played last season at AEK Athens in Greek A1 league. Mavrokefalidis managed to play in three leagues in two countries last year. In 17 A1 games he had 10.8ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.4apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Mavrokefalidis also played 2 games in Basketball Champions League where he recorded 11.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.0apg and 1.5spg. The other team he played that season for was Eagles in Chinese CBA. In 20 games he averaged impressive 20.0ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.4apg and 1.6spg.In 2006 Mavrokefalidis was drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) in second round (57th overall).The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his team won Greek Cup in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015. Mavrokefalidis was also voted Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Domestic Player of the Year in 2016.He was also a member of Greek international program for some years. Mavrokefalidis played for Greek Senior National Team between 2010 and 2013 and previously for U21 National Team back in 2005.He also represented Greece at the European Championships in Slovenia four years ago. His stats at that event were 6 games: 6.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.7%, FT: 50.0%.Mavrokefalidis is quite experienced player. His career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in four different countries. Mavrokefalidis tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Asia and of course North America. He has played previously professionally also in Italy (Virtus Roma), Russia (Spartak St.Petersburg) and Spain (FC Barcelona and Valencia Basket).On Mavrokefalidis:
(by Vagelis Kotsifis for NBADraft.net in 2006)
Excellent feel for the center position ... A good rebounder and great moves around the basket ... Can play back to the rim or facing the basket with the same efficiency ...
Lacks great athletic ability ... Not a huge leaper or tremendous foot speed ...

The Regular Season in LKL just started. The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Nevezis (0-1) in Klaipeda on Sunday night. Visitors were rolled over by Neptunas (2-0) 92-73. The game was mostly controlled by Neptunas. Nevezis managed to win second period 23-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. Neptunas looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention... [read more]

The Regular Season in LKL just started.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Nevezis (0-1) in Klaipeda on Sunday night. Visitors were rolled over by Neptunas (2-0) 92-73. The game was mostly controlled by Neptunas. Nevezis managed to win second period 23-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. Neptunas looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Colombian-Spanish power forward Juan Palacios (206-85) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international guard Mindaugas Girdziunas (188-89) contributed with 20 points and 6 assists for the winners. American guard James Woodard (191-94, college: Tulsa) answered with 22 points for Nevezis. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Neptunas is looking forward to face Vytautas (#8) in Prienai in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nevezis will play at home against Zalgiris and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Another interesting game for Neptunas (2-0) which played on the court of Siauliai (1-1). Neptunas won 82-73. Colombian-Spanish power forward Juan Palacios (206-85) stepped up and scored 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Renaldas Seibutis chipped in 17 points. At the losing side American guard Nick Zeisloft (193-92, college: Indiana) responded with 20 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Neptunas will play against Vytautas (#8) in Prienai in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Siauliai will play on the road against Lietkabelis in Panevezys to get more than just one victory in their record. A very close game took place in Prienai between Siauliai and Vytautas. Siauliai (1-1) got a very close victory on the road over Vytautas (0-1). Siauliai managed to escape with a 2-point win 61-59 in the fight for the fifth place. Laurynas Birutis nailed a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side. Siauliai's coach Antanas Sireika used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Tomas Dimsa came up with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for Vytautas in the defeat. Siauliai will meet Lietkabelis in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Vytautas will play against Neptunas (#3) and hope to win that game. The game in Alytus was also worth to mention about. Lietkabelis (2-0) played at the court of Dzukija (0-2). Lietkabelis defeated Dzukija 69-55. Lorenzo Williams fired 13 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Lietkabelis' next round opponent will be Siauliai (#5) at home. Dzukija will play against Lietuvos rytas (#2) in Vilnius and hope to win that game. The game in Utena was also quite interesting. Lietuvos rytas (2-0) played at the court of Juventus (0-2). Lietuvos rytas managed to secure a 7-point victory 82-75 on Saturday. It was a very good performance for Chris Kramer who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 7 assists. Juventus' coach Gediminas Petrauskas rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Lietuvos rytas will face Dzukija (#9) in Alytus in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Juventus will play on the road against Siauliai and hope to win that game.

Other games in round 1 were not that significant. Zalgiris smashed Dzukija on the road 89-70. Lietuvos rytas won against P.Zvaigzdes on its own court 102-90. Winless Juventus lost to undefeated Lietkabelis in Panevezys 85-92.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Nevezis (0-1) in Klaipeda on Sunday night. Visitors were rolled over by Neptunas (2-0) 92-73. The game was mostly controlled by Neptunas. Nevezis managed to win second period 23-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. Neptunas looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Colombian-Spanish power forward Juan Palacios (206-85) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international guard Mindaugas Girdziunas (188-89) contributed with 20 points and 6 assists for the winners. American guard James Woodard (191-94, college: Tulsa) answered with 22 points and the other American import guard Malcolm Grant (185-88, college: Miami, FL) added 9 points and 4 assists in the effort for Nevezis. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Neptunas is looking forward to face Vytautas (#8) in Prienai in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nevezis will play at home against Zalgiris and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Neptunas: J.Palacios 25+7reb+6ast, M.Girdziunas 20+3reb+6ast, R.Seibutis 9+2reb+3ast, E.Zelionis 9+3reb+1ast, L.Kisielius 9+3reb+1ast, L.Beliauskas 8+3reb+3astNevezis: J.Woodard 22+4reb+3ast, M.Grant 9+4ast, G.Matulis 8+3reb+1ast, M.Veljacic 7+1ast, V.Likhodey 7+2reb+1ast, G.Maldunas 6+3reb+1ast

A very close game took place in Prienai between Siauliai and Vytautas. Siauliai (1-1) got a very close victory on the road over Vytautas (0-1). Siauliai managed to escape with a 2-point win 61-59 in the fight for the fifth place. Vytautas trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 20-10 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 59-61 at the end of the game. International power forward Laurynas Birutis (213-97) nailed a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side and power forward Arminas Urbutis (206-86, college: Hofstra, agency: Octagon Europe) accounted for 16 points and 6 rebounds. Siauliai's coach Antanas Sireika used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Swingman Tomas Dimsa (198-94) came up with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and international forward Eigirdas Zukauskas (205-92) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Vytautas in the defeat. Four Vytautas players scored in double figures. Siauliai will meet Lietkabelis in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Vytautas will play against Neptunas (#3) and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Siauliai: L.Birutis 16+11reb+1ast, A.Urbutis 16+6reb, V.Sarakauskas 8+4reb, N.Zeisloft 5+3reb+2ast, D.Sabeckis 4+4reb+4ast, K.Zemaitis 3+1reb+2astVytautas: T.Klimavicius 14+2reb+1ast, T.Dimsa 11+6reb+6ast, B.Tinsley 10+1reb+2ast, E.Zukauskas 10+6reb+2ast, E.Dimsa 4+9reb, M.Linkevicius 4+8reb+1ast

The game in Alytus was also worth to mention about. Lietkabelis (2-0) played at the court of Dzukija (0-2). Lietkabelis defeated Dzukija 69-55. The game was mostly controlled by Lietkabelis. Dzukija was better in second period 17-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Strangely Dzukija outrebounded Lietkabelis 49-36 including 17 on the offensive glass. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. American point guard Lorenzo Williams (187-84, college: Rice) fired 13 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Power forward Vaidas Cepukaitis (207-89, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Point guard Paulius Danisevicius (178-95) produced 11 points and 4 assists and forward Paulius Petrilevicius (200-91, agency: Octagon Europe) added 7 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Lietkabelis' next round opponent will be Siauliai (#5) at home. Dzukija will play against Lietuvos rytas (#2) in Vilnius and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Lietkabelis: L.Williams 13+6reb+7ast, V.Cepukaitis 12+8reb, G.Talton 9+4reb+3ast, D.Lavrinovic 9+2reb+1ast, Z.Peineris 6+2reb+2ast, G.Leonavicius 6+2reb+2astDzukija: P.Danisevicius 11+4reb+4ast, G.Zalalis 8+6reb, M.Susinskas 8+3reb+1ast, P.Petrilevicius 7+10reb+1ast, K.Reinhardt 7+5reb, A.Kashirov 4

The game in Utena was also quite interesting. Lietuvos rytas (2-0) played at the court of Juventus (0-2). Lietuvos rytas managed to secure a 7-point victory 82-75 on Saturday. It was a very good performance for American guard Chris Kramer (191-88, college: Purdue) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 7 assists. Australian swingman Ben Madgen (193-85, college: Augusta) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Center Mindaugas Kupsas (217-91, agency: Octagon Europe) answered with 23 points and 8 rebounds and American center LaRon Dendy (205-88, college: Middle Tenn.St., agency: David Lee Services) added 15 points in the effort for Juventus. Five Lietuvos rytas and four Juventus players scored in double figures. Juventus' coach Gediminas Petrauskas rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Lietuvos rytas will face Dzukija (#9) in Alytus in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Juventus will play on the road against Siauliai and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Lietuvos rytas: C.Kramer 14+3reb+7ast, B.Madgen 14+4reb+3ast, M.Echodas 13+6reb+1ast, R.Giedraitis 11+6reb+3ast, R.Carter 10+9reb, T.Peterson 10+4reb+3astJuventus: M.Kupsas 23+8reb, L.Dendy 15+3reb, A.Ireland 12+1reb+2ast, L.Samenas 11+2reb+2ast, K.Guscikas 6+3reb+2ast, A.Siksnius 6+2ast

Another interesting game for Neptunas (2-0) which played on the court of Siauliai (1-1). Neptunas won 82-73. The guests were already 11 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 23-21 Siauliai's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 82-73 at the end of the game. Neptunas forced 19 Siauliai turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Colombian-Spanish power forward Juan Palacios (206-85) stepped up and scored 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and the former international Renaldas Seibutis (196-85) chipped in 17 points. Five Neptunas players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Nick Zeisloft (193-92, college: Indiana) responded with 20 points and Ignas Vaitkus (196-93, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Neptunas will play against Vytautas (#8) in Prienai in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Siauliai will play on the road against Lietkabelis in Panevezys to get more than just one victory in their record. Top scorers:Neptunas: R.Seibutis 17+3reb+3ast, J.Palacios 15+8reb+3ast, E.Zelionis 15+2reb, M.Girdziunas 12+7ast, S.Galdikas 11+4reb+1ast, L.Kisielius 6+1reb+2astSiauliai: N.Zeisloft 20+2reb+3ast, D.Sabeckis 12+2reb+3ast, I.Vaitkus 11+5reb+3ast, A.Urbutis 8+5reb+3ast, L.Birutis 6+7reb+2ast, E.Saulys 6

There was a small surprise when Zalgiris (1-0) crushed Dzukija (0-2) in Alytus 89-70 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-70. Quite impressive performance for Paulius Valinskas (190-95) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 5 rebounds. Canadian-Slovenian point guard Kevin Pangos (188-93, college: Gonzaga) contributed with 13 points for the winners. Forward Paulius Petrilevicius (200-91, agency: Octagon Europe) answered with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Katin Reinhardt (198-93, college: Marquette) added 14 points in the effort for Dzukija. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Zalgiris will face Nevezis (#6) in Kedainiai in the next round. Dzukija will play on the road against Lietuvos rytas in Vilnius and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Zalgiris: P.Valinskas 16+5reb, K.Pangos 13+4reb+3ast, D.Bost 13+2reb+3ast, E.Ulanovas 9+1reb+2ast, P.Jankunas 9+4reb+2ast, A.Toupane 9+1reb+3astDzukija: K.Reinhardt 14+2reb, A.Selakovs 10+5reb+1ast, P.Danisevicius 10+2reb+1ast, M.Susinskas 9+3reb, P.Petrilevicius 8+5reb+4ast, G.Navickas 7+1ast

Very expected game when P.Zvaigzdes (0-1) lost to Lietuvos rytas (2-0) in Vilnius 90-102 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Lietuvos rytas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. Lietuvos rytas looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Quite impressive performance for American forward Robert Carter (206-94, college: Maryland) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 6 rebounds. International Rokas Giedraitis (200-92) contributed with 15 points and 4 assists for the winners. Russian forward Nikita Balashov (207-91, agency: Alti Sport) answered with 16 points and 7 rebounds and the former international swingman Steponas Babrauskas (197-84) added 13 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for P.Zvaigzdes. Four Lietuvos rytas and five P.Zvaigzdes players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Lietuvos rytas will face Dzukija (#9) in Alytus in the next round and are hoping to win another game. P.Zvaigzdes will play on the road against Zalgiris in Kaunas and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Lietuvos rytas: R.Carter 25+6reb+1ast, M.Echodas 17+5reb, R.Giedraitis 15+3reb+4ast, T.Peterson 11+7reb+4ast, B.Madgen 10+1ast, C.Kramer 9+5reb+6astP.Zvaigzdes: N.Balashov 16+7reb+3ast, R.Harrow 14+1reb+7ast, S.Babrauskas 13+7reb+2ast, V.Bobrov 12+6reb+1ast, A.Ausejs 12+3reb+4ast, T.Lekunas 10+2reb

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